Digital copier with image scanner apparatus and offline image data and control data interface

ABSTRACT

A digital copying machine comprising an image scanner part for reading an original image to reproduce image data of the original image, a laser printer part for printing an image according to given image data, a removable memory card, and a reader/writer of the memory card is provided. For offline print, the image data of a document prepared in an external computer and output control data are stored into the memory card. By installing this memory card in the digital copying machine, the digital copying machine prints the image data read out from the memory card offline in a desired output form. For offline image input, read control data obtained by using an image scanner such as a read gradation level, a read size, density, and the degree of edge enhancement is stored in the removable memory card using software executed in an external computer. By installing this storage medium in the digital copying machine and setting an original to be read in the digital copying machine, the original image is read according to the read control data stored in the memory card, and the obtained image data is stored into the memory card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital copying machine and animage reader provided with the functions of offline image input andoutput using a removable storage medium.

[0002] Recently, the demand for high speed and multi-functional digitalcopying machines has arisen, and a digital copying machine provided witha facsimile function, a printer function, etc. in addition to a copyfunction has been developed. A conventional digital copying machine willbe described below, referring to the figures. FIG. 13 is a block diagramwhich shows a flow chart for an image signal of a conventional digitalcopying machine.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 13, an image sensor 71 scans an original toconvert reflected light from the original to an electric signal. Ananalog image signal from image sensor 71 is then converted to a digitalimage signal by an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 72. The converteddigital image signal is subjected to image processing such as edgeenhancement, trimming, and halftone processing, and edit processing inan image processor 73. An image signal given by image processor 73 isbuffered in a buffer memory 74 for speed control to be given to a laserdriver 78. Laser driver 78 drives a semiconductor laser 79 to form anelectrostatic latent image by laser beams given by semiconductor laser79.

[0004] The digital copying machine further comprises a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 85, a local area network (LAN) controller 80, apage memory 84, a parallel interface (I/F) 81, a communication controlunit (CCU) 82, and a compressor/expander 86 which are mutually connectedby a CPU bus 83.

[0005] CPU 85 comprises a random access memory (RAM) and a read onlymemory (ROM) and controls the entire digital copying machine. Pagememory 84 has capacity that can store at least one page of image dataand is connected to buffer memory 74. Image data stored in page memory84 is given to laser driver 78 through buffer memory 74 to be printed onpaper.

[0006] LAN controller 80 communicates with an external equipment througha local area network (LAN). When the digital copying machine is used asa remote printer, an external equipment such as a computer transmits aprint control command and image data to the digital copying machinethrough the LAN. CPU 85 stores the image data received through the LANinto the page memory according to the received print control command.

[0007] Using parallel I/F 81, the digital copying machine and anexternal equipment can be connected one to one. When the digital copyingmachine is used as a printer for the external equipment, the externalequipment transmits a print control command and image data to thedigital copying machine through the parallel I/F of the digital copyingmachine. When the image scanner function of the digital copying machineis used by the external equipment, the external equipment transmits animage read control command to the digital copying machine throughparallel I/F 81, and read image data is transmitted to the externalequipment from the digital copying machine.

[0008] CCU 82 communicates with an external facsimile through a publicnetwork using a modem 87. Image data received by the facsimile isexpanded in compressor/expander 86, transferred to page memory 84, andprinted. Also, image data read for facsimile transmission is stored inpage memory 84, compressed in compressor/expander 86, and transmitted tothe external facsimile through CCU 82 and modem 87.

[0009] Generally, a high-speed digital plain paper copier (PPC) which iscapable of copying more than tens of sheets per minute is located in acommon space such as a copy room or a hallway. When copying a documentwhich is prepared by a personal computer, etc. in plural copies, a userhas to print the original by a nearby printer, take the original to aplace where a digital copying machine is located, and then copy theoriginal in plural copies using a sorter, etc. of the digital copyingmachine. Especially, when a personal computer used by a user is notconnected through a LAN, the remote print function of the digitalcopying machine can not be used, so that copying must be done asmentioned above. In this case, an original image is once printed onpaper before copying it, and therefore the image is inevitably degraded.

[0010] When a personal computer used by a user is connected to thedigital copying machine through a LAN, the user can use the remote printfunction of the digital copying machine. Therefore, the user candirectly utilize a function such as a sorter of the digital copyingmachine from his personal computer. However, when copying by using theremote print function of the digital copying machine, the user has to goto a distant place where the digital copying machine is located to takeprinted paper. Also, when copying in large amount using the remote printfunction, problems such as using up paper and paper jam are likely tooccur. To solve these troubles, the user also has to go to the placewhere the digital copying machine is located. Thus, the utility value ofthe remote (online) print function in a high-speed digital copyingmachine is not very high.

[0011] When using the image scanner function of the digital copyingmachine from a user's personal computer online by using the parallel I/Fand the LAN, similar problems arise. That is, the user has to go to adistant place where the digital copying machine is located to set anoriginal in the image scanner part of the digital copying machine.Therefore, when the digital copying machine and the user's computer arelocated a distance apart, it is not useful to use the image scannerfunction of the digital copying machine online.

[0012] Next, a conventional image reader will be described. FIG. 21 is ablock diagram showing a flow chart for an image signal of a conventionalimage reader. An image sensor 171 scans an original to convert reflectedlight from the original to an electric signal. An analog image signalgiven by image sensor 171 is converted to a digital image signal by anA/D converter 172, and given to an image processor 173. Image processor173 performs image processing such as edge enhancement, trimming,halftone processing, pixel density conversion, and gradation levelconversion as well as edit processing on the digital image signal. Imagedata given by image processor 173 is stored in a buffer memory 174.

[0013] For controlling the entire image reader, a CPU 185 comprising aRAM and a ROM is provided. CPU 185, image processor 173, buffer memory174, a DMA (direct memory access) controller 180, and a small computersystem interface (SCSI) controller 181 are mutually connected through aCPU bus 183.

[0014] DMA controller 180 transfers image data stored in buffer memory174 to SCSI controller 181 directly. An external equipment such as acomputer transmits a control command for the image reader to the imagereader through the SCSI controller and receives image data from theimage reader. CPU 185 sets the degree of edge enhancement, the gradationlevel of image data, read density, etc. according to the image readcontrol command.

[0015] Such an image reader is connected to an external equipment suchas a personal computer one to one using an interface such as a SCSI.Therefore, the image reader is used exclusively by the user of theconnected personal computer. When another user uses the image reader,the user has to use the personal computer connected to the image readeror connect the image reader to his personal computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention provides a digital copying machine and animage reader provided with an interface for offline image input andoutput using a removable storage medium.

[0017] According to a first aspect of a digital copying machine of thepresent invention, the digital copying machine comprises means forreading an original image to reproduce the image data of the originalimage (e.g. an image scanner), means for printing an image according togiven image data (e.g. a laser printer), means for accessing a removablestorage medium (e.g. a reader/writer of a memory card), and means forcontrolling the printing means according to output control data storedin the storage medium so that the printing means can print an imageaccording to image data stored in the storage medium.

[0018] Preferably, the digital copying machine further comprises asorter for sorting printed paper, a finisher for stapling printed paper,and means for controlling the sorter or the finisher according to outputcontrol data stored in the storage medium.

[0019] Preferably, the digital copying machine further comprises meansfor storing information of the functions of the printing means and thefinisher into the storage medium so that the information can be used byan external equipment such as a computer for generating the outputcontrol data.

[0020] Preferably, in order to store as much information as possibleinto the storage medium having limited storage capacity, the image datais compressed by encoding, and the digital copying machine furthercomprises means for expanding the compressed image data. Preferably, thedigital copying machine further comprises means for erasing outputcontrol data and image data stored in the storage medium after printingthe image data.

[0021] According to the digital copying machine of the present inventionas mentioned above, by storing the image data of a document, etc.prepared by an external equipment such as a personal computer and outputcontrol data into the removable storage medium, and installing thestorage medium in the digital copying machine of the present invention,the digital copying machine prints image data read out from the storagemedium offline in a desired output form. As a result, a user candirectly copy a document in copies of a predetermined number using thedigital copying machine of the present invention, without the need forcopying an original which is previously printed by a nearby printer. Inthis case, the image quality of a copy is advantageously not degraded.

[0022] Also, by controlling the sorter or finisher of the digitalcopying machine according to output control data stored in the storagemedium, a user can specify the number of copies, a sorting or staplingmethod, etc. when a document, etc. is prepared by an external computer.

[0023] Furthermore, by previously storing (downloading) information offunctions provided in the the digital copying machine, for example, theprinting means and the sorter or finisher, a user can effectively useall the functions of the digital copying machine.

[0024] According to a second aspect of a digital copying machine of thepresent invention, the digital copying machine comprises means forreading an original image to reproduce the image data of the originalimage, means for printing an image according to given image data, meansfor accessing a removable storage medium, and means for controlling theimage reading means according to read control data stored in the storagemedium so that the image reading means can read an original image so asto produce the image data of the original image to be stored in thestorage medium.

[0025] In the above aspect, preferably, in order to generate the readcontrol data using an external equipment such as a computer, the digitalcopying machine further comprises means for storing information of thefunction of the image reading means into the storage medium. Preferably,the digital copying machine further comprises means for compressingimage data given by the image reading means.

[0026] According to the digital copying machine of the present inventionas mentioned above, offline image input using an image scanner functionis readily implemented. That is, read control data obtained by using theimage scanner, for example, a read gradation level, a read size, animage compressing method, the degree of edge enhancement, contrast, readdensity, and an image data file name are stored in a removable storagemedium using software executed in an external computer. Then, thestorage medium is installed in the digital copying machine, an originalto be read is set in the digital copying machine, an original image isread according to the read control data stored in the storage medium,and image data is stored in the storage medium. A user removes thestorage medium from the digital copying machine and installs it in apersonal computer, for example, and desired image data can be read outfrom the storage medium to the personal computer.

[0027] According to a first aspect of an image reader of the presentinvention, the image reader comprises an image sensor for convertingoptical information from an original image to an electric signal, an A/Dconverter for converting the electric signal given by the image sensorto a digital image signal, an image processor for processing the digitalimage signal to produce image data, means for accessing a removablestorage medium, and means for controlling the image processor accordingto read control data stored in the storage medium so that the imageprocessor can produce the image data to be stored in the storage medium.

[0028] According to a second aspect of an image reader of the presentinvention, the image reader comprises an image sensor for convertingoptical information from an original image to an electric signal, an A/Dconverter for converting the electric signal given by the image sensorto a digital image signal, an image processor for processing the digitalimage signal to produce image data, an interface for transmitting theimage data to an external equipment, means for accessing a removablestorage medium, and means for selecting either transmitting the imagedata to the external equipment by the interface or storing the imagedata into the storage medium by the accessing means.

[0029] According to the image reader of the present invention asmentioned above, a user stores read control data, for example, a readgradation level, a read size, an image compressing method, the degree ofedge enhancement, contrast, read density, and an image data file nameinto a removable storage medium using software executed in an externalcomputer. Then, the storage medium is installed in the image reader ofthe present invention, and an original to be read is set in the imagereader. The image reader of the present invention reads an originalimage according to the read control data stored in the storage medium,and read image data is stored into the storage medium. Thus, an offlineimage input function is implemented. A user removes the storage mediumfrom the image reader of the present invention and installs it in apersonal computer, etc., and desired image data can be read out from thestorage medium to the personal computer, etc.

[0030] By providing the image reader with the offline image inputfunction as mentioned above, in addition to a conventional one-to-oneinterface with an external equipment, the image reader can be connectedone to one to a personal computer of a user who uses the image readermost frequently, and other users can use the image reader using theoffline image input function without changing the connection.

[0031] Also, the image reader of the present invention can output readimage data offline in a different read form for each user into thestorage medium. Furthermore, a user can readily generate read controldata using the user interface of a personal computer, for example. Evenif a computer is not connected to the image reader as in the case of aportable note-type computer, an original image can be readily readoffline using a memory card, etc.

[0032] Furthermore, the image reader of the present invention candownload information of the image read function of the image reader tothe storage medium, so that a user can readily utilize all the functionsof the image reader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a digital copying machineaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a flow chart for a signal in thedigital copying machine in FIG. 1;

[0035]FIG. 3 shows an example of the content of a print functioninformation file;

[0036]FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between staple positions andposition numbers;

[0037]FIG. 5 illustrates a dialog box for setting a print function by auser;

[0038]FIG. 6 illustrates the content of a print job command file;

[0039]FIG. 7 is a flow chart for a process executed by a printer driver;

[0040]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a digital copying machineprovided with a finisher according to another embodiment;

[0041]FIG. 9 illustrates the content of a read function informationfile;

[0042]FIG. 10 illustrates a dialog box for setting a read function;

[0043]FIG. 11 illustrates the content of a scan job command file;

[0044]FIG. 12 is a flow chart for software that generates a scan jobcommand file;

[0045]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a flow chart for a signal in aconventional digital copying machine;

[0046]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a flow chart for a signal in animage reader according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047]FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the image processor in FIG. 14;

[0048]FIG. 16 shows an example of the connection between an image readeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention and an externalequipment;

[0049]FIG. 17 illustrates the content of a read function informationfile;

[0050]FIG. 18 illustrates a dialog box for setting a read function;

[0051]FIG. 19 illustrates the content of a scan job command file;

[0052]FIG. 20 is a flow chart for software that generates a scan jobcommand file; and

[0053]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a flow chart for a signal in aconventional image reader.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] A digital copying machine according to an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is across-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of adigital copying machine of this embodiment. This digital copying machinecomprises an auto document feeder (ADF) 50 provided on a glass sheet 1,an image scanner section 100 provided beneath glass sheet 1, a laserprinter section 200 provided independently beneath image scanner section100, and an operation section 300 provided at the side of glass sheet 1.Operation section 300 is provided with a PC card slot 89.

[0055] Image scanner section 100 comprises an exposure lamp 101, a firstmirror 102, a constant-speed unit 103, a second mirror 104, a thirdmirror 105, a half-speed unit 106, a lens 107, and an image sensor 108.

[0056] Laser printer section 200 comprises a laser scanner unit 201, amirror 202, a photoconductor drum 203, a main charging device 204, adeveloping device 205, a transfer charging device 206, a cleaner 207, adischarging lamp 208, a carrier belt 209, a fixing device 210, a guide211, a paper discharge roller 212, paper feed rollers 213, 214 and 215,a guide 216, a timing roller 217, paper cassettes 218, 219 and 220, anda sorter 221. Laser scanner unit 201 comprises a semiconductor laser, apolygonal motor, a polygonal mirror, and a laser optic system.

[0057] The basic operation of this digital copying machine will bedescribed below. A plurality of originals put on ADF 50 are set downwardon transparent glass sheet 1 one by one. When exposure lamp 101 exposesan original, reflected light from the original is reflected to secondmirror 104 by first mirror 102. Constant-speed unit 103 comprisingexposure lamp 101 and first mirror 102 moves in the direction of anarrow P at a constant speed to scan the original. Half-speed unit 106comprising second mirror 104 and third mirror 105 further reflects thereflected light from first mirror 102 and moves in the same direction asthat of constant-speed unit 103 at half the speed of constant-speed unit103. The reflected light from the original through half-speed unit 106is focused by lens 107 to be focused on image sensor 108.

[0058] Photoconductor drum 203 rotates in the direction of arrow R at aconstant speed. Main charging device 204 charges photoconductor drum 203uniformly. Laser beams from laser scanner unit 201 are reflected bymirror 202 to form an electrostatic latent image on photoconductor drum203. Developing device 205 develops the electrostatic latent image usinga toner to form a toner image on photoconductor drum 203.

[0059] Cassettes 218, 219 and 220 are removable, and plural types ofpaper having different combinations of paper sizes and directions areheld in respective cassettes. Paper feed rollers 213, 214 and 215 feedsheets of paper in the cassettes one by one. Guide 216 guides the fedpaper to timing roller 217. Timing roller 217 controls paper feed timingto register the fed paper to the toner image on photoconductor drum 203.The toner image on photoconductor drum 203 is transferred to the paperby the electric field generated by transfer charging device 206. Carrierbelt 209 moves in the direction of an arrow Q to carry the paper tofixing device 210. Fixing device 210 fixes the toner on the paper byheat.

[0060] The paper from fixing device 210 is guided to sorter 221 throughguide 211 and paper discharge roller 212. Sorter 221 comprises aplurality of paper discharge trays (bins) and performs sorting incopying for each copy. Also, sorter 221 comprises a staple function anda punch function. Cleaner 207 removes any residual toner onphotoconductor drum 203. Discharging lamp 208 exposes photoconductordrum 203 to eliminate the electric charge on photoconductor drum 203.

[0061] Next, the flow of a signal in the digital copying machine of thisembodiment will be described by referring to FIG. 2. Reflected lightfrom an original obtained by scanning the original is converted to anelectric signal by an image sensor 71, and then converted to a digitalimage signal by an A/D converter 72. This digital image signal issubjected to image processing such as edge enhancement, trimming, andhalftone processing, and edit processing in an image processor 73. Animage signal from image processor 73 is stored in a buffer memory 74 forcontrolling a speed to be given to a laser driver 78. Laser driver 78drives a semiconductor laser 79, and an electrostatic latent image isformed on the drum by laser beams from semiconductor laser 79.

[0062] Buffer memory 74 is connected to a page memory 84. Page memory84, a CPU 85, a LAN controller 80, a parallel I/F 81, a communicationcontrol unit (CCU) 82, a compressor/expander 86, and a PC cardcontroller 88 are mutually connected by a CPU bus 83.

[0063] CPU 85 comprises a RAM and a ROM and controls the entire digitalcopying machine. Page memory 84 has capacity that can store at least onepage of image data. Image data stored in page memory 84 is given tolaser driver 78 through buffer memory 74 to be printed on paper.

[0064] LAN controller 80 communicates with an external equipment througha local area network (LAN). When the digital copying machine is used asa facsimile transmission server, an external equipment such as acomputer transmits the telephone number of a transmit destination andimage data to the digital copying machine through the LAN. CPU 85controls compressor/expander 86 to compress the image data received fromthe external equipment through the LAN as required.

[0065] CCU 82 transmits the image data compressed in compressor/expander86 to an external facsimile through a public network using a modem 87.

[0066] Also, using parallel I/F 81, the digital copying machine and anexternal equipment can be connected one to one. In this case, thedigital copying machine can be controlled from a nearby computer. Byexecuting dedicated software for controlling a digital copying machineon a computer connected to the digital copying machine, a copy mode suchas the numbers of pages and copies, a paper size, copy density, amagnification rate, both side copy, and a sorting method can be set.Also, complicated edit setting such as the setting of frame erasure or atrimming area, or the setting of the reversal and its area can be doneusing the display and the mouse of the computer.

[0067] Image data received by facsimile is expanded incompressor/expander 86, transferred to page memory 84, and printed.Image data read for facsimile transmission is stored in page memory 84,compressed in compressor/expander 86, and transmitted to an externalfacsimile through CCU 82 and modem 87.

[0068] PC card controller 88 controls an access from CPU 85 to thememory card installed in a PC card slot 89. If a print job command filestoring print control data and an image data file to be printed exist inthe memory card installed in PC card slot 89, this digital copyingmachine prints image data according to the print control data.

[0069] In the digital copying machine, installation of optionalequipment such as a sorter and a finisher and an edit function to be setdiffer according to individual option structures. By storing informationof a printer function into the memory card as a print functioninformation file, usable functions can be readily utilized offline. Thedetail of this offline print function will be described later.

[0070] Also, if a scan job command file storing read control data existsin the memory card installed in PC card slot 89, this digital copyingmachine reads the image of a set original according to the read controldata and generates an image data file to be stored into the memory card.Reading of an original is started when a user pushes a start button ofoperation section 300 after setting the original. In the digital copyingmachine, installation of an optional equipment such as an ADF and animage read function differs according to individual option structures.By storing information of the image read function of an image scannerinto the memory card as an image read function information file, usablefunctions are easily utilized offline. The detail of this offline imageinput function will be described later.

[0071] Offline Print Function

[0072] An offline print function in the digital copying machine of thisembodiment will be described. A user previously installs his memory cardin the digital copying machine and downloads a print functioninformation file to the memory card. An example of the content of aprint function information file is shown in FIG. 3.

[0073] The content of the print function information file is shown inthe following format for each row:

[0074] Function item, a list of selectable functions; or

[0075] Function item, function capability.

[0076] The first setting value in each list of selectable functions is adefault value. The content of the print function information file shownin FIG. 3 will be described below.

[0077] A first row: A paper size can be selected from A4, A4R, B4, A3,B5, and B5R, and the default is A4.

[0078] A second row: Resolution is selected from either 400 DPI (dotsper inch) or 600 DPI, and the default is 400 DPI.

[0079] A third row: A gray level (the number of data bits per pixel) isselected from 1, 2, 4, and 8, and the default value is 1 bit.

[0080] A fourth row: An image data file format is selected from TIFF(tagged image file format), JPEG (joint photographic experts group), andPCL5 (printer control language 5), and the default is TIFF.

[0081] A fifth row: When TIFF is selected as the image data file format,a data compressing method is selected from G3 (MH), G4 (MMR), RLE (runlength), and LZW (Lenpel-Ziv-Walsh), and the default is G3.

[0082] A sixth row: A both side print function can be used. Whetherusing the function or not can be set, and a one side print in which theboth side print function is not used is set as a default.

[0083] A seventh row: A center binding function can be used. When thecenter binding function is used, page order is rearranged to print twopages on one side of paper having twice the area size of an image. Thecenter binding function is not used as a default.

[0084] An eighth row: A sorter can be used. Nonuse of the sorter,stacking for each page, or sorting for each copy can be specified. Thedefault is nonuse of the sorter.

[0085] A ninth row: The number of the paper discharge trays of thesorter is 20. Therefore, more than 20 copies can not be sorted.

[0086] A tenth row: When the sorter function is used, the maximum numberof paper sheets that can be stacked in each tray is 100.

[0087] An eleventh row: A stapler can be used, and it is not used as adefault.

[0088] A twelfth row: When the stapler is used, a staple position can beselected from positions 1-4. The default is position 1. The relationshipbetween positions 1-4 and the actual staple positions is shown in FIG.4.

[0089] A thirteenth row: When the stapler is used, the maximum number ofpaper sheets that can be stapled is as shown.

[0090] A fourteenth row: A puncher can be used, and it is not used as adefault.

[0091] A fifteenth row: When the puncher is used, the maximum number ofpaper sheets that can be punched is as shown.

[0092] A user produces a document or an image using application softwarefor producing document/image such as word processor or desk toppublishing (DTP) software executed on a personal computer. Printerdriver software for the digital copying machine of this embodiment ispreviously installed in the user's personal computer. When the documentor the image produced by the user is printed offline using the digitalcopying machine of the present invention, a memory card to which a printfunction information file is downloaded is installed in the user'spersonal computer. The user starts the printer driver from theapplication software for producing document/image. The printer driverrefers to the print function information file stored in the memory cardto display a dialog box for setting the print function of the digitalcopying machine on the personal computer display.

[0093] An example of a dialog box corresponding to the print functioninformation file in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, box areas onthe right side of “START Page-END Page”, “Copies”, and “Data File Name”are edit boxes. A print start page, an end page, the number of copies,and an image data file name are entered in respective edit boxes. Marks◯ are radio buttons that are alternatively selected. Marks  indicateselected functions. When TIFF is selected as the image data file format,“TIFF Compression” is valid. When “Sort” is set for “Sorting Condition”,the printer driver checks the “Max Sort” and “Max Stack” values of theprint function information file, and if the values are inconsistent withthe setting of the numbers of copies and pages, the printer driver warnsthe user. Similarly, when the staple function or the punch function isused, the printer driver checks the “Max Staple Sheets” and “Max PunchSheet” values of the print function information file, and if the valuesare inconsistent with the setting of the numbers of copies and pages,the printer driver warns the user.

[0094] The user clicks an OK button by the mouse after setting eachfunction of the dialog box. The printer driver generates a print jobcommand file and an image data file according to the setting in thedialog box and stores the files into the memory card. The content of theprint job command file corresponding to the setting of the dialog box inFIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6. “Reset” of the print job command file in FIG.6 indicates to reset the set values of the print function to defaultvalues. For “Data File”, an image file name to be printed is written. InFIG. 5, the image file name is “sample.tif”. One image file has imagesof plural pages (multi-page image). Also, one print job command file mayhave a plurality of jobs. Therefore, it is possible to print out aplurality of image files with different print function settings.

[0095] The flow chart of the printer driver is shown in FIG. 7. Theprinter driver reads the print function information file from the memorycard and displays the dialog box for setting a print function accordingto the file. The user clicks the OK button after setting each functionof the dialog box. The printer driver checks whether the setting of thedialog box is incorrect or not, and if the setting is incorrect, theprinter driver displays a warning to urge the user to correct anincorrect part. If the setting is correct, a print job command file andan image data file are generated to be stored in the memory card.

[0096] The user pulls out the memory card storing the print job commandfile and the image data file from the user's personal computer andinserts the memory card into PC card slot 89. CPU 85 detects through PCcard controller 88 that the memory card is inserted and searches if theprint job command file exists in the memory card. If the print jobcommand file exists, CPU 85 analyzes the print job command file andperforms setting required for the control circuits of the laser printerpart and the sorter part.

[0097] CPU 85 refers to the image data file name in the print jobcommand file to read the image data file from the memory card forprinting. If the image data is compressed, CPU 85 stores the image datainto page memory 84 using compressor/expander 86. When printing withcenter binding, the page order of the image data file is not the same asthe order for printing, and therefore CPU 85 controls the printing ofeach page in the image data file in suitable order. When all printing asspecified in the print job command file is completed, CPU 85 erases theprint job command file and the image data file stored in the memorycard.

[0098] By storing the image data of a document and output control data(print job command file) into the removable storage medium using auser's personal computer, and installing this storage medium in PC cardslot 89 of the digital copying machine, the image data stored in thestorage medium can be printed offline in a desired output form.Therefore, the user can specify the number of copies, a sorting method,and a stapling method, when the document is prepared by the personalcomputer. It is not necessary to print an original by a nearby printeronce and copy the printed original as conventionally, and the imagequality does not deteriorate. Even if the external equipment is notconnected to a LAN as in the case of a portable note-type computer,offline print can be readily performed using the memory card and thedigital copying machine of the present invention.

[0099] Also, for a fast-speed copying machine, the structure of optionalequipment such as a sorter and a finisher varies, so that it isdifficult for a user to fully use the functions of each copying machinewhen a plurality of the copying machines are used. A digital copyingmachine shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the embodiment in FIG. 1 exceptthat a finisher 222 is installed instead of sorter 221. The finisherstacks printed paper for each copy and staples the paper. Particularlyin a digital copying machine, an electronic finisher for sorting foreach copy is used instead of a mechanical sorter. The electronicfinisher comprises mass storage means such as a hard disk device in thedigital copying machine, stores the image data of read original ofplural pages once, prints images of plural pages for each copy, andoutputs the sorted printed paper sheets for each copy.

[0100] When finisher 222 is installed in the digital copying machineinstead of mechanical sorter 221, a hard disk device is also added tothe digital copying machine. Some finishers have the function of foldingprinted paper. Also, in some cases, optional equipment called anautomatic both side unit must be installed in the digital copyingmachine for both side print. Thus, the print functions of digitalcopying machines of the same type differ according to installation ofoptional equipment in the copying machine. In the digital copyingmachine of the present invention, the print function information of thecopying machine can be downloaded to the storage medium, so that a usercan readily set all the print functions using the dialog box for settinga print function displayed on the personal computer even if he does notfully know the print functions of individual digital copying machines.

[0101] Offline Image Input Function

[0102] An offline image input function in an digital copying machine ofan embodiment of the present invention will be described. A userpreviously installs his memory card in the digital copying machine anddownloads a read function information file to the memory card. Anexample of the content of a read function information file is shown inFIG. 9.

[0103] The content of the read function information file is shown in thefollowing format for each row:

[0104] Function item, a list of selectable functions; or

[0105] Function item, function capability.

[0106] The first setting value in each list of selectable functions is adefault value. The content of the read function information file shownin FIG. 9 will be described below.

[0107] A first row: The size of an original to be read can be selectedfrom Auto, A4, A4R, B4, A3, B5, and B5R, and the default is Auto. WhenAuto is selected, the digital copying machine automatically detects anoriginal size.

[0108] A second row: An original setting method can be selected fromAuto, ADF, and Flat Bed, and the default is Auto. When ADF is selected,an original is fed from the auto document feeder until there is nooriginal to be read in the auto document feeder. When Flat Bed isselected, one sheet of an original put on the glass sheet is read. WhenAuto is selected, an original from the ADF is read if the original is inthe ADF, otherwise, an original on the glass sheet is read.

[0109] A third row: The maximum value of read resolution is 400 DPI.

[0110] A fourth row: The minimum value of read resolution is 25 DPI.

[0111] A fifth row: A gray level (the number of data bits per pixel) canbe selected from 1, 2, 4, and 8 bits, and the default value is 1 bit.

[0112] A sixth row: A halftone process method can be selected from asimple binarizing process (BI), a dither process (DT), and an errordiffusion process (ED). The default is the simple binarizing process(BI).

[0113] A seventh row: An image data file format can be selected fromTIFF, BMP (Bitmap), and JPEG, and the default is TIFF.

[0114] An eighth row: When TIFF is selected as the image data fileformat, a data compressing method can be selected from G3 (MH), G4(MMR), RLE (run length), and LZW, and the default is G3.

[0115] A ninth row: Whether a both side read function is used or not canbe selected, and one side read is set as a default. (The both side readfunction is not used.)

[0116] A tenth row: The function of controlling contrast in reading canbe selected from Auto (automatic), −2 (low contrast), −1, 0, 1, and 2(high contrast). The default is Auto.

[0117] An eleventh row: The function of controlling read density can beselected from Auto (automatic), −2 (light), −1, 0, 1, and 2 (dark). Thedefault is Auto.

[0118] A twelfth row: The function of controlling the degree of edgeenhancement in reading can be selected from Auto (automatic), −2 (weakedge enhancement), −1, 0, 1, and 2 (strong edge enhancement). Thedefault is Auto.

[0119] A thirteenth row: A read area can be specified. The default issetting in which a read area is not specified. (i.e., the entire area ofan original size is read.)

[0120] A fourteenth row: The specified unit for a read area is amillimeter (mm).

[0121] For offline image input using the digital copying machine of thepresent invention, a user installs a memory card to which a readfunction information file is downloaded in his personal computer. Then,the user executes software for generating a scan job command file forthe digital copying machine previously installed in the user's personalcomputer. This software refers to the read function information filestored in the memory card and displays a dialog box for allowing theuser to set the read function of the digital copying machine on thedisplay of the personal computer.

[0122] A schematic display of a dialog box corresponding to the readfunction information file in FIG. 9 is shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10,rectangular areas on the right side of “Scanning Resolution”, “ScanningArea Upper-Left Position”, “Scanning Area Length”, and “Data File Name”are edit boxes for entering read resolution, an upper-left XY positionof a read area, a length in the XY direction of the read area, and animage data file name respectively. Marks ◯ are radio buttons that arealternatively selected. Marks  indicate selected functions. Only whenTIFF is selected as the image data file format is a selected function of“TIFF Compression” valid. Also, only when “Scanning Area Setting” is“Yes” are the setting values of “Scanning Area Upper-Left Position” and“Scanning Area Length” valid. Software for generating a scan job commandfile checks the “MAX Resolution” and “MIN Resolution” values of the readfunction information file, and if the values are inconsistent with thesetting of “Scanning Resolution” in the dialog box, the software warnsthe user.

[0123] The user clicks an OK button in FIG. 10 after setting eachfunction of the dialog box. The software for generating a scan jobcommand file generates a scan job command file according to the settingin the dialog box and stores the file into the memory card. The contentof the scan job command file corresponding to the setting of the dialogbox in FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. 11. “Reset” of the scan job command filein FIG. 11 indicates to reset the set values of the read function todefault values. For “Data File”, the name of an image file thatrepresents read image data is written. In FIG. 11, the image file nameis “sample.tif”. One image file has images of plural pages (multi-pageimage). Also, one scan job command file may have a plurality of jobs.Therefore, it is possible to read a plurality of original images withdifferent read function settings.

[0124] A flow chart for the process of the software for generating ascan job command file is shown in FIG. 12. This software reads a readfunction information file from the memory card and displays a dialog boxfor setting a read function according to the file. The user clicks theOK button after setting each function of the dialog box. This softwarechecks whether the setting of the dialog box is incorrect or not, and ifthe setting is incorrect, the software displays a warning to urge theuser to reset the dialog box. If the setting is correct, a scan jobcommand file is generated to be stored in the memory card.

[0125] The user pulls out the memory card storing the scan job commandfile from his personal computer and inserts the memory card into PC cardslot 89 of the digital copying machine of the present invention. CPU 85detects through PC card controller 88 that the memory card is insertedand searches if the scan job command file exists in the memory card. Ifthe scan job command file exists, CPU 85 analyzes the scan job commandfile and performs setting required for the control circuits of the imagescanner part and ADF 50 part and image processor 73. Read image data isstored in page memory 84. CPU 85 controls compressor/expander 86 tocompress the image data stored in the page memory and stores thecompressed image data into the memory card with an image data file namespecified in the scan job command file.

[0126] The user pulls out the memory card storing the image data filefrom the digital copying machine and installs the memory card in theuser's personal computer. The user accesses the image data stored in thememory card using document generation/image edit software executed inthe personal computer.

[0127] As mentioned above, when the image input function of the digitalcopying machine of the present invention is used, image read controldata (scan job command file) is stored into the removable storagemedium, and this storage medium is installed in the PC card slot of thedigital copying machine. This allows the digital copying machine of thepresent invention to output read image data offline in a desired readform into the storage medium, and the user can readily generate readcontrol data using a user interface of the personal computer. Even ifthe external equipment is not directly connected to the digital copyingmachine of the present invention as in the case of a portable note-typecomputer, an original can be readily read offline using the memory card.

[0128] Also, for a copying machine, the structure of optional equipment,such as with or without an ADF, and an ADF function (e.g., whether bothside can be read or not, whether an automatic detection function for anoriginal size is included or not), with or without a slide read device,varies, so that it is difficult to specify the image read function ofthe copying machine. The image read functions of copying machines of thesame type differ according to the installation of optional equipment inthe copying machine. However, by downloading the image read functioninformation of the copying machine to the storage medium, a user canreadily utilize usable functions even if he does not fully know theimage read function of the digital copying machine.

[0129] While the memory card is used as a removable storage medium inthis embodiment, similar effects can be obtained using a floppy disk,optical disk, a removable hard disk, etc. Also, while a monochromedigital copying machine is described in this embodiment, the same istrue for a color copying machine. Furthermore, while the functioninformation files and the job command files are described as characterdata files in this embodiment, a file encoded to binary data may beused.

[0130] Next, an image reader of an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described by referring to the figures. FIG. 14 is a blockdiagram showing a flow chart for an image signal of an image reader ofthe present invention. In FIG. 14, like components as in FIG. 21 aregiven like reference numerals. The structure and operation of the imagereader will be described. An image sensor 171 scans an original toconvert reflected light from the original to an electric signal (analogimage signal). An A/D converter 172 converts the analog image signalfrom the image sensor to a digital image signal. An image processor 173performs image processing such as edge enhancement, trimming, halftoneprocessing, gradation level conversion, and pixel density conversion,and edit processing on the digital image signal for image data output.

[0131] A buffer memory 174 stores the image data from image processor173. A CPU 185 comprises a RAM and a ROM and controls the entire imagereader. CPU 185, a PC card controller 187, a DMA controller 180, a SCSIcontroller 181, and an image compressor 186 are mutually connectedthrough a CPU bus 183.

[0132] DMA controller 180 transfers the image data stored in buffermemory 174 to image compressor 186. Image compressor 186 compresses theimage data transferred from DMA controller 180 to produce compressedimage data. The compressed image data is DMA transferred to SCSIcontroller 181 by DMA controller 180. A compressing method in imagecompressor 186 is selected from among a plurality of compressing methodsby CPU 185. An external equipment such as a computer transmits a controlcommand for the image reader to the image reader through SCSI controller181 and receives compressed image data from the image reader. CPU 185sets the degree of edge enhancement, an image data gradation level, readdensity, etc. according to the image read control command.

[0133] Personal computer (PC) card controller 187 controls an accessfrom CPU 185 to the memory card installed in PC card slot 189. If a scanjob command file storing read control data exists in the memory cardinstalled in PC card slot 189, the image reader reads the image of a setoriginal according to the read control data to store compressed imagedata into the memory card as an image data file. Reading of an originalis started when a user pushes a read start button after setting theoriginal.

[0134] In the image reader, an image read function and an imageprocessing function differ according to an optional equipment structure,such as with or without installation of optional equipment such as anADF. In order to adapt to these various optional equipment structures,the image reader of this embodiment has the function of storing theimage read function information of an image scanner into the memory cardas an image read function information file. The detail of this offlineimage input function will be described later.

[0135]FIG. 15 is a block diagram of image processor 173 in FIG. 14. Agamma converter 131, an edge enhancement circuit 132, a pixel densityconverter (zooming circuit) 133, a trimming circuit 134, and a gradationlevel converter 135 are connected to a CPU bus 183, and CPU 185 sets aprocess parameter for each circuit. Gamma converter 131 performs dataconversion on a 8-bit digital image signal. Gamma converter 131 is aconversion table using a RAM having a capacity of 256 byte and a 8-bitaddress line. RAM data is downloaded from CPU 185. CPU 185 sets readdensity and contrast characteristics by changing the conversion tablestored in the RAM.

[0136] Edge enhancement circuit 132 performs an edge enhancement processon image data using a known two-dimensional space filtering method. CPU185 sets the degree of edge enhancement in edge enhancement circuit 132by changing a filter factor of a space filter. Pixel density converter133 performs pixel density conversion on image data by interpolation orthinning of the image data. CPU 185 sets the pixel density of outputimage data by changing the setting value of interpolation rate orthinning rate in pixel density converter 133.

[0137] Trimming circuit 134 cuts a desired rectangular area from readimage data. CPU 185 sets the position and size of a cut area by changingthe setting value of the cut area. Gradation level converter 135converts image data having 8 bits per pixel (256 gradation) to N-bitimage data. N is selected from 1, 4, and 8. When N is 1, any one of asimple binarizing process, a dither process, and an error diffusionprocess is selected as a binarizing process method. When N is 4, any oneof high order N-bit extraction, a multi-value dither process, and amulti-value error diffusion process is selected as a quantizing method.When N is 8, gradation level converter 135 produces 8-bit image dataunchanged. Gradation level converter 135 produces converted image dataas mentioned above as a pack of 8 bit.

[0138] An exemplary connection between the image reader of the presentinvention and an external equipment is shown in FIG. 16. An image reader120 and a personal computer 121 are connected one to one by a SCSI cable122, and the user of personal computer 121 can directly use image reader120 online. Also, image reader 120 comprises a PC card insertion openingwhere a memory card 124 is installed in and removed from. Also, memorycard 124 can be installed in and removed from a note-type personalcomputer 125.

[0139] When the user of personal computer 125 obtains image data usingimage reader 120, the image data is transferred offline from imagereader 120 to personal computer 125 using memory card 124.

[0140] Offline Image Input Function

[0141] An offline image input function in the image reader of thisembodiment will be described. A user previously installs his memory card124 in image reader 120 and downloads a read function information fileto the memory card. The content of a read function information file isshown in FIG. 17. The content of the read function information fileshown in FIG. 17 will be explained below.

[0142] The format of the read function information file is shown asfollows for each row:

[0143] Function item, a list of selectable functions;

[0144] Function item, function capability; or “if”, condition forselection, “then”, function item, a list of selectable functions.

[0145] The first setting value in each list of selectable functions is adefault value. The content of the read function information file shownin FIG. 17 will be explained below.

[0146] A first row: The size of an original to be read can be selectedfrom Auto, A4, A4R, B4, A3, B5, and B5R, and the default is Auto. WhenAuto is selected, the original size is automatically detected.

[0147] A second row: An original setting method can be selected fromAuto, ADF, and Flat Bed. When ADF is selected, an original is fed fromthe auto document feeder continuously. When Flat Bed is selected, onesheet of an original put on the glass sheet is read. When Auto isselected, an original from the ADF is read if the original is in theADF, otherwise, an original on the glass sheet is read. The default isAuto.

[0148] A third row: The maximum value of read resolution is 1200 DPI.

[0149] A fourth row: The minimum value of read resolution is 25 DPI.

[0150] A fifth row: A gray level (the number of data bits per pixel) canbe selected from 1, 4, and 8 bits, and the default value is 1 bit.

[0151] A sixth row: When 1 is selected as the gray level, a binarizingprocess method can be selected from any one of a simple binarizingprocess (BI), a dither process (DT), and an error diffusion process(ED). The default is the simple binarizing process.

[0152] A seventh row: When 4 is selected as the gray level, a quantizingprocess method can be selected from any one of a high order 4-bitextraction process (SIMPLE), a multi-value dither process (DT), and amulti-value error diffusion process (ED). The default is the high order4-bit extraction process.

[0153] An eighth row: An image data file format can be selected fromTIFF, BMP, and JPEG, and the default is TIFF.

[0154] A ninth row: When TIFF is selected as the image data file format,and 1 is selected as the gray level, a data compressing method can beselected from G3 (MH), G4 (MMR), RLE (run length), and NO (nocompression), and the default is G3.

[0155] A tenth row: When TIFF is selected as the image data file format,and 4 is selected as the gray level, LZW or NO can be selected as thedata compressing method, and the default is LZW.

[0156] An eleventh row: When TIFF is selected as the image data fileformat, and 8 is selected as the gray level, LZW, JPEG, or NO can beselected as the data compressing method, and the default is LZW.

[0157] A twelfth row: When JPEG is selected as the image data fileformat or the compressing method, the compression rate can be selectedfrom any one of Normal (normal compression rate), High (high compressionrate), and Low (low compression rate), and the default is Normal.

[0158] A thirteenth row: The function of controlling contrast in readingcan be selected from Auto (automatic), −2 (low contrast), −1, 0, 1, and2 (high contrast). The default is Auto.

[0159] A fourteenth row: The function of controlling read density can beselected from Auto (automatic), −2 (light), −1, 0, 1, and 2 (dark). Thedefault is Auto.

[0160] A fifteenth row: The function of controlling the degree of edgeenhancement in reading can be selected from Auto (automatic), −2 (weakedge enhancement), −1, 0, 1, and 2 (strong edge enhancement). Thedefault is Auto.

[0161] A sixteenth row: A read area can be specified. The default issetting in which a read area is not specified. (i.e., the entire area ofan original size is read.)

[0162] A seventeenth row: The specified unit for a read area is amillimeter (mm).

[0163] When obtaining the image data of an original using the imagereader of this embodiment, a user installs memory card 124 to which aread function information file is downloaded as mentioned above in theuser's personal computer 125. The user executes software for generatinga scan job command file for the image reader previously installed in hispersonal computer 125. This software refers to the read functioninformation file stored in memory card 124 to display a dialog box forsetting a read function of image reader 120 on the display of personalcomputer 125.

[0164] An exemplary dialog box corresponding to the read functioninformation file in FIG. 17 is shown in FIG. 18. In FIG. 18, box areason the right side of “Scanning Resolution”, “Scanning Area Upper-LeftPosition”, “Scanning Area Length”, and “Data File Name” are edit boxesfor entering read resolution, an upper-left XY position of a read area,the length in the XY direction of the read area, and an image data filename respectively. Marks ◯ are radio buttons that are alternativelyselected. Marks  indicate selected functions. In FIG. 18, TIFF isselected as an image data file format, and 1 is selected as a graylevel, so that G3, G4, RLE, and NO are valid as selectable “Compression”functions. Also, in FIG. 18, JPEG is not selected as a compressionmethod nor a file format, so that selection of “Compression Rate” isinvalid. Only when “Scanning Area Setting” is “Yes”, the setting valuesof “Scanning Area Upper-Left Position” and “Scanning Area Length” arevalid.

[0165] The software for generating a scan job command file checks thevalues of “MAX Resolution” and “MIN Resolution” in the read functioninformation file, and if the values are inconsistent with the setting of“Scanning Resolution” in the dialog box, the software warns the user.Similarly, when “Paper Size” (original size) is inconsistent with thesetting values of “Scanning Area Upper-Left Position” and “Scanning AreaLength”, the software warns the user.

[0166] The user clicks an OK button in FIG. 18 after setting eachfunction of the dialog box. The software for generating a scan jobcommand file generates a scan job command file according to the settingin the dialog box and stores the file into memory card 124. The contentof the scan job command file corresponding to the setting of the dialogbox in FIG. 18 is shown in FIG. 19.

[0167] “Reset” of the scan job command file in FIG. 19 indicates toreset the set values of the read function to default values. For “DataFile”, the name of an image file that stores read image data is written.In FIG. 19, the image file name is “sample.tif”. One image file hasimages of plural pages (multi-page image). Also, one scan job commandfile may have a plurality of jobs. Therefore, it is possible to read aplurality of originals changing read function settings.

[0168] A flow chart of the process of the software for generating a scanjob command file is shown in FIG. 20. This software reads the readfunction information file from memory card 124 (step S1), and displays adialog box for setting a read function according to the file (step S2).The user clicks the OK button after setting each function of the dialogbox (step S3). This software checks whether the setting of the dialogbox is incorrect or not (step S4), and if the setting is incorrect, thesoftware displays a warning (step S5) to urge the user to reset thedialog box. If the setting is correct, a scan job command file isgenerated (step S6) to be stored in memory card 124.

[0169] Next, the user pulls out memory card 124 storing the scan jobcommand file from his personal computer 125 and inserts memory card 124into PC card slot 189 of image reader 120. CPU 185 in image reader 120detects through PC card controller 187 that memory card 124 is insertedand searches if the scan job command file exists in memory card 124. Ifthe scan job command file exists, CPU 185 analyzes the scan job commandfile and performs setting required for image processor 173. Image dataread by image sensor 171 are stored in memory card 124 installed in thePC card slot as an image data file through buffer memory 174, imagecompressor 186, and PC card controller 187.

[0170] The user pulls out memory card 124 storing the image data filefrom image reader 120 and again installs the memory card in his personalcomputer 125. The user utilizes the image data read out from memory card124 by using document generation/image edit software executed inpersonal computer 125.

[0171] While the memory card is used as a removable storage medium inthe image reader of this embodiment, similar effects can be obtainedusing a floppy disk, optical disk, a removable hard disk, etc. Also,while a monochrome image reader is described in this embodiment, thesame is true for a color image reader. Furthermore, while the functioninformation file and the job command file are character data files inthis embodiment, a file encoded to binary data may be used.

[0172] The invention may be embodied in other forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodimentsdisclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not limitative, the scope of the invention is indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital copying machine comprising: means forreading an original image so as to reproduce image data of said originalimage; means for printing an image according to given image data; meansfor accessing a removable storage medium; and means for controlling saidprinting means according to output control data stored in a removablestorage medium so that said printing means can print an image accordingto image data stored in a removable storage medium.
 2. The digitalcopying machine according to claim 1, further comprising a sorter forsorting printed paper, and means for controlling said sorter accordingto output control data stored in a removable storage medium.
 3. Thedigital copying machine according to claim 1, further comprising afinisher for stapling printed paper, and means for controlling saidfinisher according to output control data stored in a removable storagemedium.
 4. The digital copying machine according to claim 2, furthercomprising means for storing information of functions of said printingmeans and sorter into a removable storage medium so that saidinformation can be used by an external equipment for generating outputcontrol data.
 5. The digital copying machine according to claim 3,further comprising means for storing information of functions of saidprinting means and finisher into a removable storage medium so that saidinformation can be used by an external equipment for generating outputcontrol data.
 6. The digital copying machine according to claim 1,wherein the removable storage medium is a memory card.
 7. The digitalcopying machine according to claim 1, wherein compressed image data isstored in a removable storage medium and said machine further comprisesmeans for expanding said compressed image data read out from theremovable storage medium.
 8. The digital copying machine according toclaim 1, further comprising means for erasing said image data and outputcontrol data stored in a removable storage medium, after printing saidimage data.
 9. A digital copying machine comprising: means for readingan original image so as to reproduce image data of said original image;means for printing an image according to given image data; means foraccessing a removable storage medium; and means for controlling saidimage reading means according to read control data stored in a removablestorage medium so that said image reading means can read an originalimage so as to produce image data of said original image to be stored ina removable storage medium.
 10. The digital copying machine according toclaim 9, further comprising means for storing information of functionsof said image reading means into a removable storage medium so that saidinformation can be used by an external equipment for generating saidread control data.
 11. The digital copying machine according to claim 9,wherein the removable storage medium is a memory card.
 12. The digitalcopying machine according to claim 9, further comprising means forcompressing said image data given by said image reading means.
 13. Animage reader comprising: an image sensor for converting opticalinformation from an original image into an electric signal; ananalog-to-digital converter for converting said electric signal given bysaid image sensor into a digital image signal; an image processor forprocessing said digital image signal to produce image data; means foraccessing a removable storage medium; and means for controlling saidimage processor according to read control data stored in a removablestorage medium so that said image processor can produce said image datato be stored in a removable storage medium.
 14. An image readercomprising: an image sensor for converting optical information from anoriginal image into an electric signal; an analog-to-digital converterfor converting said electric signal given by said image sensor into adigital image signal; an image processor for processing said digitalimage signal to produce image data; an interface for transmitting saidimage data to an external equipment; means for accessing a removablestorage medium; and means for selecting either transmitting said imagedata to said external equipment by said interface or storing said imagedata into a removable storage medium by said accessing means.
 15. Theimage reader according to claim 14, further comprising means forcontrolling said image processor according to read control data storedin a removable storage medium, so that image data is stored in theremovable storage medium.
 16. The image reader according to claim 13,further comprising means for storing information of functions of saidimage processor into a removable storage medium so that said informationcan be used by an external equipment for generating said read controldata.
 17. The image reader according to claim 14, further comprisingmeans for storing information of functions of said image processor intoa removable storage medium so that said information can be used by anexternal equipment for generating read control data.
 18. The imagereader according to claim 13, wherein the removable storage medium is amemory card.
 19. The image reader according to claim 14, wherein theremovable storage medium is a memory card.
 20. The image readeraccording to claim 13, further comprising means for compressing saidimage data given by said image processor.
 21. The image reader accordingto claim 14, further comprising means for compressing said image datagiven by said image processor.
 22. A method for performing operations ona digital copying machine, comprising steps of: (a) reading an originalimage to reproduce image data of said original image; (b) retrievingoutput control data stored in a removable storage medium; and (c)printing an image with a printer on a print medium based on the imagedata according to the output control data.
 23. The method of claim 22,further comprising a step of sorting print medium with a sorteraccording to the output control data.
 24. The method of claim 23,further comprising a step of storing information of functions of theprinter and the sorter into a removable storage medium so that saidinformation can be used by external equipment for generating outputcontrol data.
 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising a step ofstapling the print medium with a finisher according to the outputcontrol data.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising a step ofstoring information of functions of the printer and the finisher into aremovable storage medium so that said information can be used byexternal equipment for generating output control data.
 27. The method ofclaim 22, further comprising a step of storing the image data in theremovable storage medium.
 28. The method of claim 22, further comprisingsteps of: (d) storing image data as compressed image data in theremovable storage medium; and (e) reading out the image data from theremovable storage medium by expanding the compressed image data.
 29. Themethod of claim 22, further comprising a step of erasing output controldata stored in the removable storage medium, after printing the imagedata.
 30. The method of claim 27, further comprising a step of erasingthe image data stored in the removable storage medium, after printingthe image data.